Mangosteen is a member of the genus Garcinia, which contains numerous species of tropical evergreens and shrubs. In some parts of Asia, mangosteen is called the “Queen of Fruits.”

Mangosteens have hard, rather thick rinds of a deep luxuriant purple color. Inside, the fruit can range from vibrant to creamy white. Occasionally, seeds are found inside the fruit; these are edible only after cooking. The fruit is formed in sections, like an orange. The number of a fruit’s internal sections is indicated on the bottom of the mangosteen rind.

Garcinia species contain high amounts of hydroxy citric acid. This organic acid is a common ingredient in weight loss supplements. In animal studies, hydroxy citric acid has been shown to inhibit a set of chemical reactions that turn energy and sugars into fat, thus inhibiting fat production.